Enzo Biochem to market GeneNews’ ColonSentry in New York and New Jersey

Nov 18 2009

Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with GeneNews (TSX: GEN), of Toronto, Canada, for exclusive rights to market GeneNews’ ColonSentry™, a proprietary blood test for colorectal cancer, in the states of New York and New Jersey.

Enzo will undertake to validate and seek approval of the ColonSentry™ test pursuant to New York, New Jersey and CLIA [Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act] requirements, in addition to marketing, and securing third party reimbursement for the test. Terms were not disclosed. Enzo said that subject to regulatory and reimbursement approval, among others, it hopes to make the test available in the second half of 2010.

The test offers a novel, non-invasive option for determining an individual’s current risk for colorectal cancer and helps prioritize patients at greater risk for the disease.

“Enzo Labs’ objective is to become a world-class provider of both routine and esoteric clinical tests, including molecular diagnostics, in line with the changing dynamics in health care,” said Kevin Krenitsky, MD, President of Enzo Labs. “We are therefore pleased to join with GeneNews as its exclusive marketing partner in New York and New Jersey in making this product available to the medical communities we serve and their patients.”

“The greatest barrier to reducing mortality rates arising from colorectal cancer is patient compliance with screening,” said Dr. Bernard Levin, an internationally recognized expert in colorectal cancer screening and Chair of the GeneNews Colorectal Cancer Clinical Advisory Board. “As a blood-based test, ColonSentry™ can encourage individuals to undergo screening which could lead to earlier detection, thereby potentially reducing the suffering and death that can result from this highly treatable disease.”

“GeneNews is pleased to be working with Enzo, a leader in the diagnostic lab field,” said Dr. Heiner Dreismann, Lead Director and Interim CEO of GeneNews. “Enzo is our first US regional marketing partner and will provide an important segment of the eligible US population with access to our ColonSentry test.”